When you need to collect a non-porous item for evidence and it is wet, what should you do?

• A. Package it wet
• B. Allow it to dry, then process
• C. Freeze it
• D. Wipe it dry and package

Answer: (B)

When evidence on a non-porous item is wet, you should let it dry before processing. Moisture can wash away or blur trace evidence and interfere with later analyses, so drying helps preserve what’s on the surface and makes fingerprinting or other examinations more reliable. Packaging a wet item risks mold, corrosion, and moisture migrating to other items, which can contaminate the scene. Wiping the surface can remove traces, and freezing is not typically used here because it can introduce condensation or alter the evidence during thawing. Once dry, you can proceed with the appropriate processing and packaging.